Initial Struggles and Seeking Help

A deeply distressed applicant arrived at the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) office, grappling with the consequences of his addiction and unemployment. His wife had left home six months ago, taking their three children with her, as his drinking habits had made family life unbearable. He now lived in complete isolation, feeling abandoned and struggling to regain control over his life.

During the initial counseling session, he admitted that frequent arguments with his wife and financial instability had worsened his situation. His attempts to reconnect with his children were unsuccessful, as they preferred to stay with their mother. He expressed a desire to turn his life around, particularly by securing an e-rickshaw to restart his livelihood, but he faced multiple challenges.

Counseling Interventions and Initial Progress

Identifying the Core Issues

The counselor assessed the applicant’s risks—isolation, emotional distress, and addiction—while recognizing his resilience in acknowledging his mistakes and his willingness to change. Since his only support system was his wife, the counselor encouraged him to initiate communication with her, quit alcohol, and understand the negative consequences of his addiction—including family conflicts, poor decision-making, and financial instability.

To build trust, the counselor scheduled individual and couple counseling sessions to help both partners gain a deeper understanding of their issues.

Couple Counseling and Rebuilding Trust

During the couple counseling session, the wife (respondent) voiced her concerns—the applicant’s drinking, violent outbursts, and careless behavior in front of the children. She recalled an alarming incident where he had injured himself with a knife due to intoxication, further traumatizing the family.

The applicant admitted his mistakes and sincerely apologized. The counselor guided the couple toward effective conflict resolution, shared parenting responsibilities, and setting boundaries regarding addiction. A key suggestion was that the applicant should spend at least 15 minutes daily with family members to rebuild their trust.

Follow-Ups and Continued Struggles

Challenges in Addiction Recovery

During the next follow-up session, the wife reported some improvements—the children had started living with them again, and family routines had improved. However, the applicant was still struggling with alcohol consumption, which continued to create stress at home.

The counselor revisited addiction recovery strategies, emphasizing the importance of:

✅ Professional help – Referral to National De-addiction Helpline (14446) and local addiction centers (Narela & Alipur) for free treatment.

✅ Self-awareness & commitment – Understanding why he drank and developing alternative coping strategies.

✅ Employment & stability – Financial independence as a key motivator to quit addiction.

Employment and Economic Stability

During subsequent counseling, the applicant reported that he had started working on acquiring an e-rickshaw, which would help him gain financial stability. The counselor encouraged him to stay focused, emphasizing that a steady job would reduce stress and improve his family’s living conditions.

Over time, he successfully secured his e-rickshaw and began earning regularly, covering household expenses. His wife also noticed behavioral changes, leading to a more peaceful home environment.

Final Breakthrough and Successful Case Closure

In the final follow-up session, the applicant shared his most significant achievement—he had quit alcohol completely. He credited the counseling process for helping him rebuild his mental stability and strengthen his relationship with his family.

For the first time in months, his home was peaceful, free from conflicts and financial distress. His wife stopped criticizing him, the children accepted him back, and he had a stable income.

With seven successful counseling sessions, this case was officially closed, marking a remarkable transformation—from a broken man trapped in addiction to a responsible husband, father, and working professional. The applicant gained full support from his wife and family, proving that counseling and determination can truly change lives.